The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from his position after obtaining the consent of President Bola Tinubu to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
According to The PUNCH, the development follows a meeting between Adelabu and the president on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, during which the minister presented a detailed briefing on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, a major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan.
During the engagement, Adelabu was said to have outlined key achievements recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery across the entire power sector value chain.
The statement confirmed that the minister would soon vacate his office. It read, “In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days.”
According to the statement, the timing of the planned resignation is intended to ensure continuity in ongoing sector reforms before his exit. “The timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office. Notably, this includes efforts to stabilise the sector following recent declines in power generation due to gas supply constraints to power plants, ongoing pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers, as well as the need to secure the President’s approval for his intended resignation and gubernatorial aspiration in Oyo State,” Tunji said.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had earlier directed all political appointees with intentions to contest elections to resign on or before March 31.
The statement further indicated that Adelabu used the meeting to present a comprehensive report on his time in office. “During the meeting, the minister outlined key milestones recorded under his leadership, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission capacity, and implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the power sector value chain,” it stated.
It added that a central aspect of the presentation was the National Integrated Electricity Policy and its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan, as well as the Medium-Long Term Integrated Resource Plan for the Power Sector, which are designed to ensure continuity and sustainability in the sector.
Providing further insight into the policy framework, the statement noted, “The NIEP is a comprehensive policy framework designed to guide the sustainable development of Nigeria’s electricity sector. It provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient and efficient power sector.”
According to the statement, President Tinubu commended Adelabu for his commitment and the progress recorded during his tenure. “President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector. The President also granted his consent and blessing for the minister to pursue his governorship ambition,” Tunji explained.
The statement also noted that the minister expressed gratitude to the president for his consistent support and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s power sector and contributing to overall national development.
